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Our News
Climate Change Forum
Effects, Impacts, Opportunities and Challenges for Bolivia
The event concluded successfully with more than 200 participants, surpassing the expectations of its organizers and showing a general concern for the serious threats presented by climate change globally, and especially regarding the consequences that could occur in Bolivia due to an increase in temperature and imbalance of rainfall, which would severely impact food production and health.
The event concluded successfully with more than 200 participants, surpassing the expectations of its organizers and showing a general concern for the serious threats presented by climate change globally, and especially regarding the consequences that could occur in Bolivia due to an increase in temperature and imbalance of rainfall, which would severely impact food production and health.
Taking care of our forests
One of the main conclusions of the event was that we should take more radical measures to reduce the country’s CO2 emissions. In this sense, the vital need to promote actions in favor of conservation and sustainable use of forests in Bolivia, as well as campaigns to plant trees in all of the major cities, was made evident. Bolivia is the world leader in terms of FSC certified native tropical forests, which is in and of itself an important achievement in fighting deforestation.
Bolivia contributes to global climate change with approximately 0.03%, primarily generated from deforestation. In 2008, deforestation in Bolivia was 285,000 hectares, or the equivalent of destroying forests the size of 43 soccer fields per hour. This is due mainly to non sustainable practices in activities related to agriculture, logging, mining, and petroleum, as well as human settlements.
Sustainable energy
Emphasis was also placed on the fact that determined actions are required regarding the use of cleaner energy as a way of making progress towards adapting to climate variations, but also seeking opportunities to generate income for Bolivia. Although variations in climate produce serious risks, it is also true that they also create opportunities, such as with the energy sector. Bolivia has the conditions to generate clean energy with which, in addition to reducing the effects of greenhouse gasses, it could also obtain important financial resources from this compensation. Under this framework, WWF Bolivia has been exploring sustainable energy alternatives for the Bolivian Amazon.
One of the conclusions that were arrived at was that, given that the effects of the policies and actions that are decided to be implemented from the public sector or due to civil society consensus will be felt in 20 or 30 years, we cannot afford to wait for external decisions or much less depend on these.
The forum included presentations by Natalia Calderón, Climate Change Specialist and Joerg Seifert-Granzin, Specialist in Environmental Economy, both with Friends of Nature Foundation (FAN).
Potential impacts of climate change in Bolivia as of the year 2030
- The majority of the glaciers of the Bolivian portion of the Andean Mountain Range will have disappeared.
- The mythical Titicaca Lake will have been reduced and divided in three parts.
- The increased scarcity of water in the metropolitan area of La Paz and El Alto will reduce its growth in population.
- Agricultural production in the highlands will be affected by unfavorable climate.
- The productive potential in the lowlands will be greatly reduced due to an increase in wind speeds, drought, . flooding and soil degradation.
- The productive supply of the valleys will become unfeasible due to negative climate effects.
- The major cities in the eastern part of the country will be the target of severe changes and restrictions as a result of constant flooding and pollution.
Background
The forum was held in the city of La Paz on November 25th, 2009, and was organized by the Friends of Nature Foundation (FAN), the Bolivian Institute of Foreign Trade (IBCE), and received support from WWF Bolivia. The Forum was also sponsored by Fino Oil Industry, Gold Forest Bolivia, Guabira Sugar Refinery and the CRE power company. Participants included representatives from the international community, environmental experts, civil society organizations and the press.